The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Trevor Lloyd

Great food, Great Company at Keke’s

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By Trevor Lloyd

Not all breakfast nooks are created equal.

Some focus on more health-oriented menus, taking inspiration from the West Coast. Others want to bring you that old-fashioned, homestyle cooking just like mom used to make.

Keke’s Breakfast Café wants you to sit, relax and hear about your morning all while it fills you with pancakes the size of your plate. And don’t forget your leftovers — because you probably will have leftovers.

“We provide a different style of breakfast compared to our competitors,” said Maribeth Harrigan, server and day manager at Keke’s. “Thick, cakey pancakes; sliced, red skinned potatoes; huge pieces of French toast – it’s a traditional northern breakfast, and you’re getting your money’s worth.”

Every egg is freshly cracked — every fluffy pancake made to order. That’s the way it’s been for Keke’s by Collier Parkway and State Road 54 since November 2018 when it opened. A fan favorite, the cheesesteak omelet, delivers diners three large eggs, seared sirloin, melted white American cheese and roasted green onions and peppers. Good eats are easily found on every inch of the Keke’s menu, however, it’s not what sets them apart.

“We truly are a ‘comfort breakfast’ from our food to our staff,” said Harrigan, “The people working inside these four walls are really what makes this place special. We treat our guests like family. I’ve, personally, made so many friendships here over the years. Now, it’s as if when I see my regulars, I am inviting them to eat in my own home.”

“The atmosphere is great, it’s family friendly,” said server Connor Lloyd, “It’s a place where you can smile, laugh and enjoy yourself. I’ve made connections with all my guests as a server. We, as staff, are always looking out for each other too.”

When asked what he most recommends on the menu, “You can’t go wrong with the cheese steak omelet.”

Keke’s is known for the high quality of the food being directly impacted by the high quality of the staff. But don’t just take anyone’s word for it. The international breakfast chain, Denny’s, has taken notice to Keke’s quality as well. Denny’s now has plans to take the once, solely Florida based eatery, nationwide.

“We’ve expanded Keke’s upwards — Denny’s will now expand us outwards,” said Harrigan. “While this is a great new opportunity, we will still remain a separate entity and we have ensured policies and procedures in place to make that happen. We love our guests and we will continue to deliver what they love.”

A promise that’s just as sound as their determination to daily, fresh ingredients.

(813) 345-8495 • 22952 FL-54 Suite 510, Lutz, FL 33549

Published 06/15/22

Not even a year in, and Dr. Rosh is still changing lives

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No two days are the same at the Oculofacial Surgery & Cosmetic Laser Institute in Lutz.

“That’s what makes this so fun,” said Roshni Ranjit-Reeves, M.D.

She’s commonly referred to by her patients as Dr. Rosh, and has become a staple for those in the community looking to become the best version of themselves.

Roshni Ranjit-Reeves, MD – Dr. Rosh – Oculofacial Surgery and Cosmetic Laser Institute. Photo by Jensen Larson

“What drew me to oculofacial and reconstructive surgery is how my relationship with patients can alter the way my patients envision themselves.”

Dr. Rosh offers a wide variety of surgical and nonsurgical facial treatments that she carefully tailors to each patient’s specific needs. She studied and trained for over a decade to perfect her skills before fulfilling a lifelong dream of opening her own practice last July. She wanted to run her workplace, her way, and benefit her patients the best she can. She is the only double board certified in ophthalmology and oculofacial reconstructive surgery in Pasco county.

“A patient-doctor relationship built upon deep-rooted trust. What drew me to ophthalmology was how life-changing that bond can be. it has the power to change the way patients see the world,” said Dr. Rosh.

It hasn’t even been a year since she has been open, and everyday Dr. Rosh diligently takes the time to work with each patient and create a treatment plan to fit each individual’s availability and lifestyle.

“The freedom of running my own practice allows me the ability to give each patient the due diligence they deserve,” said Dr. Rosh.

The Oculofacial Surgery & Cosmetic Laser Institute offers a variety of surgical options for both medical and cosmetic purposes. The multi-talented Dr. Rosh does everything from skin resurfacing to eyelid surgeries to and brow lifts to eyelid cancer reconstruction. Nonsurgical options, like broadband light laser and laser skin resurfacing, are designed to target pigment and vessels and wrinkles respectively.

“It increases production of new collagen within the skin, which also can be used to assist in post-op recovery or to remove years of skin damage right here in office,” said Dr. Rosh.

To further address aging concerns, Dr. Rosh also offers a range of injectables. Each injectable has a designated purpose that either restores skin volume, or reduces resting and active wrinkles.

“Our face is how we identify ourselves and how other people identify us, which is so important to me,” said Dr. Rosh. “It’s not about changing who we are, it’s about becoming the best version of ourselves.”

This upcoming month, Dr. Rosh is ready to pamper the special ladies in your life with her Mother’s Day Skin Care specials. She is offering free gifts with skin care purchases starting at $50. Pre made skin care kit can be purchased or you can build your own. Those who spend $250 or more you will receive a pair of designer sunglasses to frame that fresh and fabulous skin.

Oculofacial Surgery & Cosmetic Institute
24420 S.R. 54 Lutz 33559, FL Shared building with Medi-Weight Loss Center
(813) 303-0123 or visit DoctorRosh.com.

The Future of Health Care Takes Inspiration from the Past

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Does this scenario sound familiar? You arrive at your doctor’s appointment 15 minutes early only to wait another 45 minutes before the physician sees you. When they finally knock on your door, it feels as if their main priority is getting to their next patient.

Unfortunately, it’s a situation that plagues many, major medical institutions all over the country.

Anna Ferrer, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, opened Modern Health in Wesley Chapel to combat this very issue. Born and raised in the Ukraine, she moved to Florida to work as a nurse. She quickly realized this common plight that health care workers experience. According to Ferrer, doctors are not entirely to blame, but more so the insurance companies that put pressure on doctors to perform a certain way.

“Everything I used to do revolved around what the insurance companies wanted. I felt like I could never spend the time that I wanted with my patients, because I was always under the scrutiny of a third party,” said Ferrer.

Ferrer said insurance companies would analyze her every medical decision. Much of her day went to entering insurance codes that would hopefully justify the treatments she was providing to her patients, instead of spending time with them.  At the end of the day, if the insurance company didn’t agree with her, the treatment wouldn’t be covered.

The solution to all of this? A medical system called Direct Primary Care. Direct Primary Care is simple. At Ferrer’s office, members of Modern Health pay a monthly fee and receive all the professional and personal care they need, exactly when they need it. No insurance, no hidden fees, no co-pay, no deductible, and certainly no third parties are involved with medical decisions. This ensures every individual gets immediate attention and a guaranteed hour of medical consultation.

“It’s like going to a gym. You pay a modest fee once a month, and then everything is included in your unlimited number of monthly visits,” said Ferrer. Prices vary depending on the patient’s age and range between $60 to $120 a month.

This also includes more advanced medical offerings such as telehealth, bloodwork, injections, and minor procedures. Ferrer has found that many of her patients also have health insurance. They still choose to pay per month at Modern Health so they can reap the benefits that Direct Primary Care has to offer.

“I did not choose this path to make money. I chose this to sincerely help my patients in the way I always intended to,” said Ferrer.

For more information on rates, services and appointments visit modernhealthdpc.com, or email the practitioner at

Garden Shop Teaches Self-Nurture, with Nature

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It’s been shown that those who regularly connect with nature feel more joy, tranquility and wellness in life. They believe that everyday should include a little magic, and a lot of plants!

Garden Shop in Land O’ Lakes brings their love for all things natural and creative by providing unique gifts of wellness that nature has to offer — in a way that is carefully crafted for the home. The clean, green, “unique boutique” inspires customers to reconnect with their roots, as soon as they walk through the door.

“During the pandemic, I really grew my love for gardening and learned the importance of all-natural, home essentials,” said owner Kim Bowering.

Bowering opened Garden Shop earlier this year in the Elite Pavers building in Land O’ Lakes. The combined expertise of the local businesswomen at Garden Shop makes for a tranquil learning environment, great for any seasoned green thumb or plant novice.

The store’s focus is on houseplants that stand alone, as indoor decor. The shop also features driftwood carefully crafted with natural elements of moss, plants, shells, wood flowers and more. Some plants such as bromeliads, orchids and air plants actually attach themselves to the wood, making it truly a beautiful one-of-a-kind design of living art.

“The earth grounds us. Planting is an essential part of our well-being,” said associate Nicole Clancy. Clancy has had experience is garden centers before working at Garden Shop.

Every avenue you can explore while visiting — essential oils, hand soaps, candles, bug repellent, lip balm, lotions, salt scrubs — all will lead back to the importance of plants. For example, most mosquito repellent contains harmful DEET that puts your health at risk with cancer-causing chemicals. They also carry organic plant fertilizers as well. Garden Shop provides the safe, plant-based alternative.

“Everything here is all natural,” said Clancy, “and everything here gets its proper attention.”

This specialized attention is evident in the stock Garden Shop is able to carry. Air plants have been popular among shoppers as of recent, however, most larger stores choose the cheaper option due to lack of required care. Garden shop is able to host a variety of more expensive air plants, as every plant in the store is individually cared for.

“We care for each of our customers, just as we care for each of our plants,” said Bowering.

Bowering has hopes to create a Terrarium Bar where customers can carefully design their own terrarium, and enjoy the art of working with tiny plants and miniature garden décor while sipping drinks. To stay up to date on all things current visit their social media or EliteGardenShop.com.

813-820-6105
Located at Elite Pavers of Tampa, 7337 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

Valentino’s Fine Jewelers Now Located at Tampa Premium Outlets

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Clyde Wilcox is no stranger to the finer things in life, and his passion for the jewelry business proves just that.

Wilcox is the general manager at Valentino’s Fine Jewelers, which celebrated its fifth anniversary this year. The high-end store first opened in Zephyrhills, and recently has relocated to Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz. The family owned, local business is the product of decades of dedication to the fine jewelry industry.

“Our store is not your typical jewelry store, from the way we look, to how we treat our customers, to the product we carry; we try to be different all the time,” said Wilcox.

From left: Brian, Madonna and Clyde

Keeping the theme of doing things differently, its upcoming Black Friday celebration will be one to remember. The first 100 visitors to Valentino’s between Nov. 26 to Nov. 28 can shuck their own oyster, with a guaranteed pearl inside. There will be plenty of weekend discounts throughout the store for customers to best accessorize the color of their newfound gem.

Before Valentino’s, Wilcox worked for Ultra Diamonds, where he improved the store’s sales by 150% in his first year. It wasn’t long before Wilcox felt confined in the corporate world and opened his own store.

“He did it all by himself,” said Madonna Wilcox, Clyde’s wife and office manager for Valentino’s.

Valentino’s offers a wide variety of jewelry. The showroom keeps things fresh by often showcasing unusual and unique items, instead of replacing the same stock as soon as it sells.

“We want new and different, always,” said Madonna Wilcox.

Prioritizing the individuality of the customer is important to their store.

“You live on your reputation, so we want to make sure ours is very good,” said Clyde Wilcox.

Valentino’s also offers a range of other services from battery changes to jewelry repairs, mostly done at the hands of their master jeweler Edwin Rodriguez. Rodriguez is a third-generation jeweler, a scarce craft he learned from his father, and has 30 years of experience doing custom work. With his help, what may take two weeks for a simple repair at a chain store, Valentino’s can get done while you shop at the mall.

“Anything you throw in front of him, if there’s no way to do it, he will find a way,” said Brian Miller, son and store manager.

With husband, wife and son all working together, Valentino’s gives their guests the “at home” experience that can be hard to find at large retailers.

“It’s not a chain, it’s an extension of our family,” said Clyde.

For information, call 813-949-9800, or visit them at 2100 Grand Cypress Drive, Suite 150, Lutz, FL 33559.

Published November 10, 2021

Dr. Rosh Fulfills Lifelong Dream To Help Revitalize Patients’ Faces

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This past July, Dr. Roshni Ranjit-Reeves opened Oculofacial Surgery & Cosmetic Institute in Lutz after years of education and work.

“This was the fulfillment of my longtime dream of opening my own practice so I could focus on my passion. My work isn’t about changing someone into who they could be, but revitalizing someone into who they truly are,” said Roshni Ranjit-Reeves M.D., who goes by Dr. Rosh.

Through rigorous medical programs at the University of South Florida, to her fellowship and teaching position at Duke University, Dr. Rosh spent over 10 years refining her specialty before she was ready to open her own practice.

Dr. Rosh

She wanted the flexibility of an individual practice, which allows her to communicate directly with patients and develop specialized treatment plans that best fits their needs.

“I can give patients the due diligence they deserve,” said Dr. Rosh. “Our face is how we identify ourselves, and how other people identify us. My goal is to keep this in mind while helping people feel refreshed and accessing a better version of themselves, at a convenient location that avoids the traffic of going into Tampa.”

Oculofacial Surgery & Cosmetic Institute has a host of services that can take care of patients’ concerns all in one place. With both surgical and nonsurgical options, Dr. Rosh is able to impact someone’s quality of life by individualizing a treatment that best works for patients’ needs and schedules.

“No two patients’ stories are the same,” said Dr. Rosh. “I can do the same surgery on ten different people and create specialized care for each person, given their facial structure specific to how they will heal.”

One of the most common procedures she performs is upper and lower lid blepharoplasty, which removes excess skin around the eye. Over time, this skin droops due to the loss of elasticity. That’s where Dr. Rosh steps in to turn back the clock. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess eyelid skin to give your face a more rested look. Lower lid blepharoplasty can be done to remove under-eye bags. Laser skin resurfacing is often performed at the same time to help smooth out under-eye wrinkles, stimulate collagen, and improve skin texture.

Dr. Rosh handles many other cases of ocular facial surgery, ranging from simple cosmetic adjustments to reconstruction after cancer defects to eyelid malpositions. The practice also has nonsurgical options, such as broadband light laser, erbium, and C02 resurfacing that help skin discoloration, age spots and/or wrinkles and even post op recovery.

“I am able to tailor treatment to what patient’s need and what their downtime will allow, which makes every case unique.”

During October, you can start rejuvenating in time for the holiday season with generous discounts on cosmetic procedures and neurotoxins, which will be honored in coming months, as long at the appointments are scheduled during October.

Oculofacial Surgery & Cosmetic Institute
81-303-0123
24420 State Road 54 in Lutz
Same building as Medi-Weightloss Lutz
DoctorRosh.com

Home Sweet Home at Bella Home Market

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Between the stock and the staff, there’s really nothing a creative mind can’t accomplish when it comes to home decorating by shopping at Bella Home Market in Lutz.

This locally owned specialty boutique offers a selection of high-end home décor and gifts, in a range of styles with reasonable prices. The store also dedicates space for homemade goods from local creators, such as organic soaps and wall art.

“We keep our product unique,” said Lou Malerba, store owner. “You won’t visit someone’s house and say, ‘I have that same painting on my wall,’ because our gifts are individualized.”

Owner Lou Malerba

Malerba became owner of Bella Home Market two years ago, right before COVID-19. A frequent shopper, he furnished much of his own home with merchandise from the store. He’s grown to love the community whose commitment to shop locally has kept his doors open.

“I’m absolutely a people person, and at my store, customer service is number one,” said Malerba. “People know if they need a unique piece, they can find it at Bella Home Market.”

What continues to set Bella Home Market apart from other home décor stores is its variety of versatile craft paints by Dixie Belle. In fact, Bella Home Market ranks in the top 100 world retailers for the brand.

After premiering every paint color offered by Dixie Belle, Malerba’s success led him to becoming the only store in the Lutz area to be named an Elite retailer. And, as an Elite, Malerba can carry every product Dixie Belle offers. This includes its cherished, original product with stains, waxes and scents, to its newer Silk line, an all-in-one application that works as a primer, pigment and topcoat.

“We have so much fun with Dixie Belle, they are constantly bringing in new products, and folks love them. Plus, they love the paint’s bendability, affordability and best of all, it’s VOC-free,” said Malerba.

(VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, are toxic, binding chemicals found in other paints that give off the signature “paint fume” smell. Exposure to these fumes over time can have dangerous health effects.)

Bella Home Market goes the extra mile to show customers there is really nothing you can’t do with these paints. While most crafters use them for painting furniture (beautiful examples can be found in the store), Malerba and artist Rebecca Buzzeo hold classes every month to showcase the adaptability and versatility of the paint. These classes of individualized, all-inclusive projects tend to fill up fast, especially around the holidays.

“You’ll come, and we’ll show you the process and technique of Dixie Belle. By the end, you’ve learned new painting skills and get to keep a seasonal décor item you created,” said Malerba.

Throughout the month of October, Bella Home is hosting a raffle auction with the lucky winner taking home a themed gift basket filled with great in-store finds. All proceeds from the raffle will go to Moffit Cancer Center to support Breast Cancer Awareness month.